I don't have a Win8/8.1 system to test this on for you at the moment. I had an 8.1 laptop just go out my door this morning, but I forgot to check the WMP for you for that setting.
You might try and download the NEWEST version I have listed above for you. Notice at the end of the version number, your version says ".16578", and mine shows ".17031". The version I have posted for you is NEWER than the version your are running. I suggest in the meantime, you download and install that version (12.0.9600.17031 WMP 12 for Windows 8.1 and Windows 8).
In the meantime, you might take a look at Microsoft's WMP FAQ section here...